ClearAudio N2
Clearaudio N2, MM cartridge with 3D-printed composite body
Changing cartridges without having to reconsider your entire tonearm, that is the idea behind this new Clearaudio moving magnet model. The N2 uses the N1 generator, but swaps the aluminium body for a carbon-fibre-filled composite, 3D-printed. Its weight drops to 8.5 grams, opening the door to a wider range of tonearms, including lightweight models that the N1 was not well suited to.
A carbon-fibre-filled composite body
The PETG-CF used here is an engineering polymer reinforced with carbon fibres. Its rigidity exceeds that of conventional plastic, giving the generator more stable support and containing resonances likely to colour playback. The body comes from a precision 3D printer, with tighter tolerances achieved through stricter selection during manufacturing. The laser-engraved black finish remains understated.
Reduced weight for broader compatibility
At 8.5 grams, the N2 weighs noticeably less than the N1 and its aluminium body. This weight saving matters when matching the cartridge to the tonearm: a lightweight model pairs better with tonearms with low effective mass, which the previous version could not always accommodate. Its 15 µm/mN compliance places it in an intermediate range, offering good flexibility for pairing it with medium-mass tonearms as well as lighter setups.
Mounting and stylus replacement
Threaded metal inserts are integrated directly into the body. The screws therefore fasten without nuts, for quicker installation and firm, play-free mounting on the headshell. The N2 also retains Clearaudio’s interchangeable stylus system: once the diamond is worn, only the stylus assembly needs to be replaced, without changing the entire cartridge.
Sound performance and recommended settings
For playback, the N2 combines an aluminium cantilever with an elliptical-profile diamond stylus, a shape that follows the groove well without reaching the contact precision of more sophisticated profiles. Its output voltage, around 3.3 mV, matches that of the Concept v2 series and connects easily to the vast majority of MM phono inputs. According to Clearaudio, this higher output and rigorous component selection bring its performance closer to that of the Concept v2, with dynamics and detail.
For installation, the brand recommends a tracking force of 2.2 grams, a load impedance of 47 kΩ and a load capacitance of 100 pF, standard values on MM phono preamps. Frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, channel separation reaches 20 dB at 1 kHz, and the 80 µm tracking ability indicates how far the stylus remains engaged during the most heavily modulated passages.
Technical Specifications
Type and design
- Moving magnet (MM) cartridge
- Carbon fiber-reinforced PETG composite body
- 3D-printed construction
- Integrated threaded metal inserts
Playback elements
- Replaceable stylus
- Aluminum cantilever
- Elliptical diamond
Electrical specifications
- Output voltage: approximately 3.3 mV
- Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Channel separation at 1 kHz: 20 dB
Mechanical specifications
- Total mass: 8.5 g
- Tracking ability: 80 µm
- Compliance: 15 µm / mN
Recommended operating conditions
- Tracking force: 2.2 g ± 0.3 g
- Load impedance: 47 kΩ
- Load capacitance: 100 pF
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the N2 require a specific phono preamp?
A MM phono input is sufficient, whether built into the amplifier or provided by a separate phono preamp. With its 3.3 mV output, the N2 delivers a high level for a moving-magnet cartridge: the input must therefore be set to MM, not MC, otherwise the phono stage may overload.
Does the N2 come pre-adjusted, or does it need to be aligned on the tonearm?
Like any cartridge sold separately, it must be mounted and aligned on the headshell: adjustment of overhang, azimuth angle, and tracking force to 2.2 grams. An alignment protractor and a tracking force gauge make the operation more precise.
How do you know when the stylus is worn out and needs to be replaced?
Playback that becomes shrill in the highs, increasing distortion during busy passages, or a loss of definition are signs of a worn stylus. On the N2, the stylus assembly can be removed and replaced on its own, without touching the rest of the cartridge or having to redo the basic setup. The lifespan of an elliptical diamond stylus is measured in hundreds of hours and depends greatly on the cleanliness of the records and the care taken with setup.
Does the N2 make sense on an entry-level turntable?
Yes, provided the tonearm can accommodate an 8.5-gram cartridge, which is the case for most standard headshell tonearms. Its low weight and medium compliance make it easy to match, including with lightweight tonearms where a heavier aluminium cartridge would be problematic.
Does the 100 pF load capacitance include the tonearm cable?
This value corresponds to the total load seen by the cartridge, including the tonearm cable and phono input. Since the cable already contributes part of this capacitance, it is best to take this into account when the phono input offers an adjustment: aiming for 100 pF in total helps maintain a balanced response in the upper frequencies.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: MM017B
